Pinch yourself. The silence, beauty, and sheer scale of these ice formations is real.
New Zealand’s glaciers move much faster than many others worldwide, so every hike is a little different. But that’s not all that makes these glaciers unique. Most are accessible at relatively low altitudes, so they’re easier to reach than, say, those in the Himalayas. And some are unusually close to the sea, which leads to both unique climates and stunning views.
For safety reasons, chances are you’ll need to join a guided tour if you want to get on the ice. Wear warm, waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and sunglasses. But don’t worry about crampons or ice axes, as these are usually provided by tour operators.
Your guided tour options include:
There are plenty of walking trails around the glaciers if you simply want to take in the majestic views from a distance.
The Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tūawe Valley Walk leads you through rugged glacial terrain to a viewpoint 500m from the glacier’s terminal face. You’ll cross streams and stop for stunning views of the glacier’s retreating ice.
The Lake Matheson Walk is a loop through ancient rainforest and over suspension bridges. Dawn and dusk are the best times to capture mirror reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman on the tranquil waters.
The River Walk Track through lush rainforest offers scenic views of Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tūawe. It crosses the historic Fox River suspension bridge, and passes terrain shaped by glacier movements that reveal unique moraine formations.
The Chalet Lookout Track winds through rata and kamahi forest, passing Bivvy Rock before climbing to a moraine ridge. It offers great views of Fox Glacier’s lower icefall and remnants of the historic Chalet Hut.
The Franz Josef Valley Walk follows a rocky riverbed that leads to a viewpoint near the glacier’s terminal face. The track passes waterfalls and moraine formations that highlight the dramatic landscape shaped by the glacier’s retreat.
For more inspiration for your glacier walks, see the Department of Conservation(opens in new window) and Tourism West Coast(opens in new window).
The Tiaki Promise(opens in new window) is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now, and for future generations. By following the Tiaki Promise, you are making a commitment to act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home.
